It's not "IF" it happens... it's "WHEN". A common phrase wouldn't you say?Well it applies to horses and riding, as well as all the other things that count. It's only a matter of time before our curious 1,100 lb friends get themselves into trouble and next thing we know we're calling the vet. Some cases when a horse gets a cut or small wound, we can save the cost of a vet call and do some vet work ourselves. You only need to make sure you have the right stuff on hand. Today I wanted to share a list of some things to keep on hand in a first aid kit. Whether you need a small one for 1-3 horses and to take traveling in the trailer, or you need a suitcase on wheels that can treat 5-10 horses, it's always a good idea to keep some things on hand.Below is a simple list of things to keep in mind if you want to build your own First Aid Kit for your barn or trailer. You can always buy a premade one from most horse websites, but it can actually be cheaper to buy everything separate yourself and build your own. This also allows you to customize it yourself if you want more of one thing than another.First Aid Kit Contents Recommendation for Horse (Basics): A card that has your vets contact and emergency information on it Roll of cotton wrap Self-adhesive bandage Guaze pads- you'll want assorted sizes and also some that are sterile and some that are not Adhesive cloth tape Duct Tape &/or sports tape Leg wraps (this can be pillow wraps-can be found at TSC or local stores usually, or stable bandages) Scissors (preferably some with a blunt end-like medial scissors-so you don't jab your horse when cutting) Rectal Thermometer Surgical scrub or some sort of antiseptic solution (good idea to put it in a water bottle to spray on wounds) Wound Ointment Nonlatex gloves Flashlight (never know what time of day your rascal will get into trouble) Extra Batteries for the flashlight Pliers or nippers (pulling nails or possibly to cut wire if your horse is stuck in fence) Eye wash Clean towels (hand towels, washcloths & bigger size towels-always good to have a variety) Epsom salt Hoof boot (can also usually be found at local farm/ranch stores)It's also good to keep on hand a First Aid kit for yourself, because again, we don't always know when or where things will happen. Here's an example of a kit for yourself.First Aid Kit for Humans: Absorbent compress dressings Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) Cloth tape Antibiotic ointment Antiseptic wipes &/or solution (peroxide) Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Tylenol Blanket/Towels Breathing barrier for CPR (in last minute case use a t-shirt or similar fabric that air can pass through but but you wont have as big a chance of passing germs between people) Instant cold press Nonlatex gloves Hydrocortisone Ointment (for skin irritations-can get over the counter at pharmacy) Scissors Gauze bandages Gauze pads Oral Thermometer TweezersI hope this helps you out in getting some basic things collected for a First Aid Kit for your horse and yourself. Below I'll list another more detailed list of First Aid products you can get for a kit. This is an example list I found online from a product you can purchase already put together. Prices vary depending on the place you purchase. They can range anywhere from $50-$500 depending on what size of a kit you want.First Aid Kit Option For Purchase- Available on different horse websites (various sizes and contents)This also gives ideas for how many of each thing, as well. Small Trailering Soft Sided Bag 10 long handled Q-Tips 8 medical towels 6 wood applicators 24 non-sterile gauze pads 6 sterile gauze pads 5 non-adherent gauze pads 3 3M VETRAP 1 one third pound roll of cotton 1 adhesive tape roll 10 alcohol wipes 10 hand sanitizing towelettes 4 povidone iodine swabsticks 1 four ounce eye wash 1 betadine surgical scrub 1 eight ounce hydrogen peroxide 8 iodine wipes 1 flashlight (extra batteries) 6 latex &/or nonlatex gloves 1 hoof pick 1 tourniquet 1 bandage scissors bandage pins 1 stainless steel thumb forcep 1 wrap cutter 10 antibiotic foil pouches 6 three quarter inch band-aids(This kit can run around $150)I really hope this helps you out in deciding what some of the basic things you might want to keep on hand in a First Aid Kit in the barn or in the trailer. It can be relaxing to know that your prepared for situations that could require your personal vet skills. If you have any other suggestions or questions about products or kits or ANYTHING feel free to leave a comment or contact me and I would be happy to get back to you!Until next time,Keep calm and ride on!PS- this week I will also be adding an article to add onto the 21 Steps to Broke series!

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Nicole Johannsen

Hello, and welcome to Buckeye Valley Training. We're located in Gibbon, Nebraska. For years now I have been involved in different aspects with horses including riding lessons, training and colt starting. Join me today for training techniques and more!